100% Corn Bourbon Whiskeys: Top 6 Picks (2023 Updated)
Last Updated on August 22, 2023 by Lydia Martin
By law, bourbon should contain at least 51% corn in its mash bill, and the supporting grains can be rye, wheat, and malted barley.
The vast majority of bourbons contain around 70-79% corn, but there are 100% corn bourbons that have become a popular style and are driven by mostly young craft distillers.
Here are the best 100% corn bourbon brands that will surely surprise you.
Top 6 (Must-Sip) 100% Corn Bourbon Whiskeys
6. Reservoir Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: $85.39 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 50%
Why We Like It:
Reservoir Bourbon whiskey is a one-of-a-kind bourbon whiskey made from 100% corn.
It boasts a great balance of sweetness between its sharply spiced rye and soft wheat.
We like the rich aroma of vanilla, corn, and char and the bourbon whiskey’s medium to full body palate profile.
The finish is notable because of its lingering sweet cherry notes.
5. High Wire Distilling Co. Southern Revival Straight Bourbon Whiskey
MSRP: $79.99 (Official Website)
Average Price: $97.71 (Bourbon)
Alcohol Content: 47.5%
Why We Like It:
The New Southern Revival Straight bourbon whiskey is the flagship spirit of High Wire Distilling Co., and the bourbon is crafted from 100% Jimmy Red corn.
The bourbon is aged for at least two years in newly charred oak barrels, and we enjoyed its flavor profile on the rocks.
We like the graham, cinnamon, creamy mouthfeel, and the slight char and oak notes at the end.
4. FEW Sarah Shook & The Disarmers Blue Corn Bourbon Whisky
Average Price: $159.99 (Cask Cartel)
Alcohol Content: 50.5%
Why We Like It:
FEW Spirit’s Blue Corn Bourbon collaborates with country-punk band Sarah Shook & the Disarmers.
It is an artisanal bourbon style with blue corn as the base mash bill.
We tried it neat, and the caramel corn will greet you with dashes of vanilla husks, woody spice, and orchard fruits. Check out our favorite corn whiskey brands here.
3. Balcones Texas Blue Corn Bourbon
Average Price: $54.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 64.9%
Why We Like It:
Balcones Texas Blue Corn is an independent, uncompromising bourbon whiskey crafted using 100% blue corn.
It is aged in new oak barrels for a complex and bold character.
We tried it neat and with a few drops of water, and the flavors and aroma of the bourbon opened up.
“If you’re tasting with a Master Blender, they will always add some water at some stage”
– Alice Lascelles, Hard-Liquor Expert
We enjoyed the rich midpalate, mouthfeel, and long finish of the 100% corn bourbon.
The burnt marshmallow, and cinnamon candies are evident on the nose and palate.
2. Yellow Rose Outlaw Bourbon
Average Price: $47.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 46%
Why We Like It:
Yellow Rose Outlaw Bourbon is true to its name and breaks the traditional bourbon law by making 100% Texas yellow corn instead of the ruling 51% corn [1].
The bourbon is extremely rare as the Texas heat gives it its unique characteristic and the 15% per year angel share.
The bourbon whiskey has full-flavored caramel and vanilla overtones.
We like the slightly sweet but rich palate profile (dessert-like) and long maintaining caramel and vanilla finish.
1. Hudson Baby Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: $47.34 (Specs Online)
Alcohol Content: 46%
Why We Like It:
Hudson Baby Bourbon whiskey is a limited edition bourbon whiskey from Tuthilltown Distillery in New York, and it is crafted using 100% new york corn.
It is the first bourbon distilled in New York and has amazing tasting notes and flavor profile.
On our first sip, there’s a clear popcorn aroma and taste with a liberal amount of vanilla and sugar.
On the palate, it holds rich marzipan, warm spice, honey, and a final note of dark chocolate. We enjoyed drinking it neat and on the rocks.
FAQs
Can bourbon be made from 100% corn?
Yes, bourbon can be made from 100% corn. By law, distilleries should make it from at least 51% corn, and since there is no maximum limit, distilleries are free to produce 100% corn bourbon.
Does 100% corn bourbon mean it is made only with corn?
No, 100% corn bourbon is not only made with corn; it means that the bourbon mash bill it contains should be 100% corn.
100% corn bourbon is made from 100% corn, yeast, water, and a sour mash. We’ve got our favorite sour mash whiskey brands here.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, the top selection of 100% corn bourbon worth the slot on your bar shelf.
All-corn bourbon is easy to sip since it is sweeter and won’t burn your palate.
Small distilleries make most 100% corn bourbons, and they are packed with sweet, caramel aroma and taste.
You can go for Yellow Rose, FEW, or High Wire, but Hudson gets the upper hand.
Hudson Baby bourbon whiskey has a nice aroma and palate profile that you will enjoy, whether neat, on the rocks, or as a cocktail.
Which 100% corn bourbon are you excited to try?
Reference:
- https://www.cnbc.com/2015/06/04/5-rules-that-make-it-bourbon.html
Old Hamer is 99% corn. The Old Hamer cask strength is one of my favorites!